Aamjiwnaang First Nation's hospice-like space is officially open for community members in need of end-of-life care.
An open house was held at Ganigiiwe, which means going home, on Thursday to allow the community to tour the facility located on St. Clair Parkway.
There is a fully equipped kitchen, laundry room, bathrooms and two large sized rooms with a bed.
Home and Community Care Program Manager Robin Wood said the hospice-like space will have more culturally appropriate services offered to the patients.
"There's nowhere like home," said Wood. "In the words of Elva Jamieson from Six Nations we take care of our own, that's the community sense here, people want to be home here, the river means a lot to the people here and that's the importance of here."
According to Manager of Health Services Sara Plain it was important to staff to make sure there was a lot of space because of large families and gatherings.
"Sometimes there may be things like singing or drumming and then our families wouldn't have to worry about disturbing other residents in a space like a hospital or a hospice," she said.
Training in palliative care has been underway for volunteers and staff.
"We'll have our own care providers coming in to care for our community members and that's all really important seeing those familiar faces," said Plain.
The plan for the facility was first announced in March 2023.
In order to be eligible for the space, the patient must be either a member or resident of Aamjiwnaang First Nation, diagnosed with a life-limiting illness, Is a client of a Palliative Care Physician, and there is a home pronouncement plan in place with a funeral home of choice.
Plain believes there will not be a need for more than two beds at a time.
Currently, the hospice-like space does not have any patients lined up to stay there.
"It's such a beautiful spot way nicer than anything we could've ever imagined," Plain said.
